Providing State-of-the Art Equipment for Patients
Standing at 6’4”, John Fischetti dominated the pitcher’s mound from 1969 to 1971 at Conrad Park in DeLand, the home for the Stetson University Hatters. With a career-high of 22 wins, Fischetti remains one of the all-time top-five pitchers at Stetson. He played college ball with Coach Pete Dunn, catcher, who went on to be the most winning coach in Stetson history. As a star pitcher at Stetson University, Mr. Fischetti also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League, the top amateur Wooden Bat League in the Country. In 1970, he was named All-Star with seven wins. He began playing little league on Long Island, New York at the age of five, coached by his father.
“I was fortunate to combine my baseball skills with a pursuit in education, and Stetson University afforded me these two very important things.” Said Fischetti.
Mr. Fischetti retired from baseball in 1971 and went on to be a prosperous businessman in New York. He moved back to DeLand in 1983 and raised four strong successful boys and still attends Stetson baseball games as a season ticket holder.
In 2023, Mr. Fischetti started having pain in his foot and was diagnosed with acute osteomyelitis by his orthopedic physician. Acute osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection that invades and infects the bone tissue. He had seven operations on his foot and in late 2024 his toes had to be amputated.
Coach Dunn, a team player and friend, recommended that he receive his rehabilitation at Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center in the McGarvey Wing. He spent 27 days in therapy.
Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center in DeLand FL
“Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center combines their recruiting, hiring, training, and motivation at a level conducive to my high standards.” Said Fischetti.
Mr. Fischetti was in the new state-of-the-art gym daily at 10 a.m. for rehabilitation. His friends, especially Coach Dunn visited him while he recovered.
“When Mr. Fischetti first arrived at Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center, he had just undergone a transmetatarsal amputation. He was non-weight-bearing and required 50% assistance to transfer and was unable to walk,” said Jennifer Haymes Randazzo, Rehabilitation Director at Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center.
“Through personalized rehabilitation, use of our state-of-the-art equipment, and determination, he achieved remarkable progress and regained the ability to transfer independently. At Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center, he could walk 30 feet with a walker, all while progressing to partial weight bearing. Mr. Fischetti was able to discharge with newfound independence and is now on the path to continue recovery at home, “ stated Ms. Haymes Randazzo.
The McGarvey Wing at Alliance Health
McGarvey Rehabilitation Wing located in the Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center. The newly renovated McGarvey Rehabilitation Wing connects to the Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center and offers 32 – Rehabilitation Beds with technologically advanced equipment. Admissions are seven days a week, offering comprehensive rehabilitation programs to include stroke, cardiac, and congestive heart failure in private, semi-private rooms and semi-private suites.
• Physical Therapy- can foster each patient’s independence and enable functional mobility skills following orthopedic or neurological conditions or injuries. Innovative techniques restore maximum function and minimize pain. Improving range of motion, strength, coordination, and muscle control will bring the patient closer to their functional goals.
• Occupational therapy focuses on achieving greater independence in the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating following an illness or injury. To promote maximum function and mobility, our therapists use rehabilitation techniques and train residents with the use of specialized equipment.
• Speech Therapy – helps patients improve their communication skills in speaking, problem-solving, reading, writing, and verbal expressions. Therapists also provide evaluation and treatment for a variety of swallowing disorders.
Upon discharge from Rehabilitation, the patient may continue with patient therapy utilizing the same healthcare professionals from their inpatient stay.
For more information on Alliance Health and Rehabilitation, call 386-734-6401.
